ZANEC

Category: Announcements

  • Call for Express of Interest and TORs for ZANEC Strategic Plan 2016 – 2020

    Call for Express of Interest and TORs for ZANEC Strategic Plan 2016 – 2020

    Call for Expression of Interest

    Evaluation of the Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) Strategic Plan 2016-2020

    ZANEC is looking for a suitably qualified consultant to conduct an evaluation of the impact of its Strategic Plan. The evaluation is intended to among other things, inform stakeholders on how the Coalition has grown since the last evaluation and its achievements over the 2016-2020 strategic period.

    1. Purpose and Objectives of the Evaluation

    The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the progress and performance of the ZANEC programmes and activities under the current Strategic Plan; identify factors that contribute to the organisation’s successful implementation of the Strategic Plan; identify the nature and magnitude of constraints that affected the effective implementation of the ZANEC programmes and activities; inform stakeholders including cooperating partners whether or not ZANEC is making a significant contribution towards quality education service delivery; and to make appropriate recommendations for the future growth and focus of ZANEC.

    Evaluation Objectives

    The objectives of the evaluation are:

    1. To assess the performance of ZANEC over the last 5 years since the commencement of the current Strategic Plan, including defining its strengths and weaknesses and providing recommendations to consolidate the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses;
    2. To define clear objectives concerning the strengthening of ZANEC within the context of the changing operating environment in Zambia; and
    3. To identify the necessary human resources (profiles, etc.) in order to operationalise the objectives and provide proposals for an improved organisational structure.
    • Scope of the Evaluation

    The scope of the evaluation includes all ZANEC programmes and activities implemented from 2016 to date. The evaluation should assess the organisation as a whole and address the aspects outlined in the terms of reference (for detailed ToRs go to the ZANEC website www.zanec.org.zm  or the ZANEC facebook page). 

    • Methodology
      • The review will be carried out using relevant documents (desk review) and selected stakeholder consultations and interviews. 
      • At the end of the desk review period, the Evaluator will prepare a brief inception/concept document indicating the Evaluator’s understanding of the assignment; the proposed methodological approach for the evaluation; the evaluation instruments; and the work plan and budget, to be discussed and approved by ZANEC prior to the commencement of the field trips.
      • The evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s) will indicate further selected specific aspects to be addressed. The evaluation instruments should identify the priority aspects to be addressed in the evaluation.
      • The Evaluator will work to the highest evaluation standards and Code of Conduct.
    •  Expressions of Interest

    All applicants must source the detailed Terms of Reference from the ZANEC website www.zanec.org.zm and the Zambia National Education Coalition facebook page. All Expressions of Interest must respond to the following:

    • Credibility/track record/experience;
    • Understanding and interpretation of assignment/requirements;
    • Quality assurance;
    • Time frame for delivery;

    Proposed budget with a breakdown

    The profile of the Evaluator should include:

    • Masters’ degree in education, research, Monitoring and Evaluation or relevant field;
    • Experience in working on education issues in Zambia;
    • Experience in working on civil society issues in Zambia;
    • Experience in the designing, management and evaluation of development programmes and activities, in particular with policy level work, institution building and local development projects;

    All proposals must be submitted through email or hand delivered to the address below by Friday, 17th April, 2020.

    The Executive Director,

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC),

    Baptist Fellowship Building,

    Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi and Great East Road,

    P.O. Box 30774,

    Lusaka-Zambia,

    Email: infoHR@zanec.org.zm

    Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

    Terms of Reference

    Evaluation of the Zambia National Education Coalition Strategic Plan 2016-2020

    1. Background

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a coalition of civil society organisations engaged in the education sector in Zambia. It was formed in 2001 to lobby and advocate for the Education for All (EFA) agenda in Zambia. This followed Zambia’s participation at the Dakar EFA forum in 2000 and a need to respond to the challenge. ZANEC’s mandate later broadened to focus on national, regional and international educations goals and commitments made by the Zambian government. ZANEC’s intention is therefore to work with its members to enhance their capacity to participate in the achievement of education goals in Zambia. 

    ZANEC is looking for a suitably qualified consultant to conduct an evaluation of the impact of its Strategic Plan. The first evaluation of ZANEC was undertaken in 2010 under the 2008-2011 Strategic Plan and was commissioned by the Irish Aid, then ZANEC’s main institutional donor. The second evaluation was conducted in 2015 for the 2012-2015 Strategic Plan. Therefore, this evaluation is intended to among other things, inform stakeholders on how the Coalition has grown since the last evaluation and its achievements over the 2016-2020 strategic period.

    • Purpose and Objectives of the Evaluation

    The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the progress and performance of the ZANEC programmes and activities under the current Strategic Plan; identify factors that contribute to the organisation’s successful implementation of the Strategic Plan; identify the nature and magnitude of constraints that affected the effective implementation of the ZANEC programmes and activities; inform stakeholders including cooperating partners whether or not ZANEC is making a significant contribution towards quality education service delivery; and to make appropriate recommendations for the future growth focus of ZANEC.

    Evaluation Objectives

    The objectives of the evaluation are:

    1. to assess the performance of ZANEC over the last 5 years since the commencement of the current Strategic Plan, including defining its strengths and weaknesses and providing recommendations to consolidate the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses;
    2. based on the recommendations, to define clear objectives concerning the strengthening of ZANEC within the context of the changing operating environment in Zambia; and
    3. to identify the necessary human resources (profiles, etc.) in order to operationalise the objectives and provide proposals for an improved organisational structure.
    • Scope of the Evaluation

    The scope of the evaluation includes all ZANEC programmes and activities implemented from 2016 to date. The evaluation should assess the organisation as a whole and address the aspects outlined in the annex to these terms of reference (“Specific Aspects to Be Addressed”)and make appropriate recommendations. 

    • Expected deliverables

    The expected outputs to be delivered by the evaluator(s) are:

    • Inception/concept report;
    • Evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s);
    • Selected field visits relevant to ZANEC’s programmes and activities;
    • Draft evaluation report, including findings from field visits by the Evaluator(s);
    • Final analytical report including:
    • Executive Summary with key findings, conclusions and recommendations;
    • Clearly identified findings and conclusions;
    • Recommendations for ZANEC’s future operations;
    • Key achievements and Lessons learned;
    • Appropriate Annexes.
    • The total length of the report should be a maximum of 30 pages for the main report, excluding annexes; additional annexes can provide background and details on specific components of the ZANEC evaluation. The report should be submitted as one complete document.
    • All drafts and final outputs, including supporting documents, analytical reports and raw data should be provided both in paper copy and in electronic versions compatible for Word for Windows. 
    • Ownership of data from the evaluation rests with ZANEC. The copyright of the evaluation report will rest with ZANEC. Use of the data for publication and other presentations can only be made with the written agreement of ZANEC. Key stakeholders can make appropriate use of the evaluation report in line with the original purpose and with appropriate acknowledgement. 
    • Methodology
      • The review will be carried out using relevant documents (desk review) and selected stakeholder consultations and interviews. 
    • At the end of the desk review period, the Evaluator(s) will prepare a brief inception/concept document indicating the Evaluator(s)’ understanding of the assignment; the proposed methodological approach for the evaluation; the evaluation instruments; and the work plan and budget, to be discussed and approved by ZANEC prior to the commencement of the field trips.
    • The evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s) will indicate further selected specific aspects to be addressed. The evaluation instruments should identify the priority aspects to be addressed in the evaluation.
    • The Evaluator(s) will work to the highest evaluation standards and codes of conduct.
    • Competencies of Evaluator(s)

    The profile of the Evaluator(s) should include:

    • Relevant background in social and/or economic development;
    • Experience in working on education issues in Zambia;
    • Experience in working on civil society issues in Zambia;
    • Experience in the designing, management and evaluation of development programmes and activities, in particular with policy level work, institution building and local development projects;
    • Fluency in English.
    • Management of the Consultancy
      • The consultancy will be overseen by the ZANEC Secretariat. The Secretariat will meet with the Evaluators at mutually agreed intervals, depending on the work plan that will be agreed with ZANEC. The Secretariat will also be available to respond to queries as they arise.
    • Payment details will be indicated in the contract to be signed between ZANEC and the Evaluator(s).

    All proposals must be submitted through email or hand delivered to the address below by Friday, 17th April, 2020.

    The Executive Director,

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC),

    Baptist Fellowship Building,

    Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi and Great East Road,

    P.O. Box 30774,

    Lusaka-Zambia,

    Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

    Annex: Specific Aspects to Be Addressed

    The following are among the aspects and questions that should be addressed in the evaluation:

    1. Implementation (Effectiveness and Impact)
      1. Assess whether ZANEC achieved its objectives and intended outputs and outcomes as envisaged in the Strategic Plan. 
      1. How would you rate the quality and relevance of the information and reports produced by ZANEC?
      1. In what ways is Government, specifically MoGE and MoHE, involved with ZANEC and how would you assess its level of support for ZANEC work?
      1. Is the entire target population being reached? 
      1. What mechanisms are in place for organisational monitoring?
      1. Assess the quality and use of work plans and monitoring plans.
      1. How do factors outside the control of ZANEC affect objectives and programme and activity implementation and how does ZANEC deal with these external factors?
      1. How effectively does ZANEC deploy resources?
      1. Assess the effectiveness of ZANEC’s overall management arrangements.
      1. Assess the effectiveness of ZANEC’s financial management.
      1. Assess the participation of the various relevant actors in ZANEC’s programmes and activities. How do these actors participate in programme and activity implementation?  How does this participation affect the outcomes of the programmes and activities?
    • Organisational Structure
      • Is ZANEC’s organisational structure appropriate, feasible and realistic for achieving its objectives?
      • Are the linkages between objectives, inputs, activities and outputs clear and logical (i.e. according to a logic model)?
      • Is the organisational structure relevant to the national education situation and the needs of the target groups?
      • Is the organisational strategy gender sensitive and does it recognise and respond to the vulnerabilities of girls and women?
      • Does the organisational strategy correspond to national priorities and development of policies?
      • Does the organisational strategy correspond to the current and changing aid environment?
      • To what extent does the structure take into account the capacity of ZANEC and the commitment of stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Education?
      • Examine the capacity constraints of ZANEC and the commitment of stakeholders, and how this impacts on the implementation of programmes and activities.
      • Does the Secretariat adequately support the Sub-sector Committees? What capacity gaps are evident in the Secretariat and Sub-sector Committees?
      • To what extent were external factors and assumptions identified at the time that the organisational structure was put in place? How have these been addressed since?
    • Relevance
      • Assess the choice of strategies that ZANEC adopted. Were they relevant to the problems it was aiming to address? Did the results of ZANEC’s programmes and activities solve the problems, as intended?
      • Do the problems and needs that gave rise to the stipulated strategic plan priorities still exist or has the situation changed? If so in what ways?
      • How does ZANEC know whether it is responding to the real needs of the beneficiaries in its strategic plans?
      • Assess the validity of ZANEC’s approach and strategies and their potential to upscale.
      • What changes are taking place in the educational environment that are not taking place in ZANEC?
    • Efficiency
      • Examine the delivery of ZANEC’s outputs and outcomes in terms of quality and quantity. Are they being delivered in a timely manner?
      • Assess the efficiency of ZANEC, i.e. compare the allocated resources with results obtained. Do the results obtained justify the costs incurred?
      • Are there more efficient ways and means of delivering more and better outputs with the available inputs?
      • Adequacy of available resources to effectively implement the strategic plan activities.
    • Sustainability
      • Are there future activities or commitments of ZANEC and its partners that will help to ensure sustainability?
      • What contributions is ZANEC making to strengthen the capacity and knowledge of the members and national stakeholders?
      • Are lessons learned being documented? What are the possibilities for replication of good practices?
    • Gender
      • Has a gender analysis been carried out of ZANEC’s target groups during the strategic plan implementation?
      • Has gender planning been used in addressing the different vulnerabilities and needs of men and women in the target groups?
      • Are the benefits of ZANEC’s programmes and activities accruing equitably to men and women in the target groups?
      • Assess the progress of ZANEC’s gender mainstreaming activities.
    • Causality
      • What particular factors or events have affected ZANEC’s results?
      • Are these factors internal or external to ZANEC?
    • Unanticipated Effects
      • Are ZANEC’s programmes and activities having any significant (positive and/or negative) unforeseen effects?
      • What could be done to either enhance or mitigate them so that ZANEC has a greater overall impact?

  • ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A YOUTH EXCHANGE IN OSLO, NORWAY?

    ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A YOUTH EXCHANGE IN OSLO, NORWAY?

        INTRODUCTION

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a network of Civil Society Organizations registered by the Registrar of Societies Act No. 119 of the Laws of Zambia on 3rd July, 2002 under certificate number ORS/102/35/2581. The organization currently has seventy-five member organizations comprising of Community Based Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and Teacher Trade Unions. The member organisations work in different parts of the country and in different sub-sectors of education. ZANEC’s mandate is to coordinate civil society advocacy for quality, equitable and inclusive education for all Zambians. 

    ZANEC’s vision is to have ‘a sustainable and inclusive education system that responds to national aspirations and fosters an environment for self-fulfillment. The mission of the Coalition is to promote quality and inclusive education for all, through influencing of policy, building consensus, holding duty bearers accountable, and strengthening the capacities of stakeholders in the education sector.

    ZANEC in collaboration with its Norwegian Partner, the Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH), are in the process of recruiting two new exchange participants through the Norwegian Exchange (Norec) Youth Program. Through this exchange program, successful students will have the opportunity to work as a volunteer at SAIH, as well as join various Norwegian activists fighting for human rights and academic freedom of students and academics. 

    Information

    ZANEC is looking for two persons (one male, one female) between the ages of 20 – 25 with a background of student/youth organizing and/or leadership, and with keen interest in the field of higher education, students’ rights and academic freedoms. Through this youth exchange, you will have the role as a full-time volunteer. You will be based in Oslo (Norway) and working in the SAIH Office, while also collaborating closely with other organizations and activists in Norway. The exchange will start with 2 weeks of preparatory placement at ZANEC and a 2 week introductory course in August, before the placement in Norway starts. You will stay in Norway for 10 months, and return to Zambia at the end of July 2021. After your return you will be committed to spend 4 weeks (full time) carrying out follow-up work, with a focus on sharing the experiences and knowledge you will have gained with ZANEC and fellow Zambian activists and youths.  ZANEC has been implementing this programme for the last 2 years and therefore this call is for the third round of the project.

    Selection Pool:

    • Freshly completed certified university or college graduate
    • Student Organisations, Student Unions or Student Parliaments.
    • Gender balance, male and female

    Location:   Oslo (with follow-up activities in Lusaka)

    Remuneration:  Pocket money, transport (return air ticket to Oslo and local transport while in Norway) and accommodation will be covered.

    Contract Length:  Twelve (12) composed of 1 Month Preparatory work (composed of 2 weeks experience with ZANEC and 2 weeks preparatory course) + 10 months placement in Norway + 1 Month follow-up work.

    Key working relationships: The volunteer will be working closely with the other NOREC participant travelling from ZANEC and ZANEC designated staff for both feedback and mentorship, with activists in SAIH and other Norwegian NGOs. The supervisor will be the Coordinator at SAIH.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Hold   and attend workshops and presentations
    • Catalogue and organize cases of human rights violations against students.
    • Update social media content for SAIH’s blog and Facebook.
    • Organize and facilitate meetings
    • Contribute to the production of alerts, news articles and press releases about academic freedoms, human right violations against students and academics, and equitable higher education etc.
    • Work with other volunteer organizations in Norway connected to higher education 
    • Develop information material on Higher Education
    • Contribute to SAIH’s external and internal events and campaigns.

    Person specification

    Professional experience

    • Fresh university or college graduate
    • Experience from a student/youth organization or NGO
    • Experience with making presentations and workshops
    • Competency in Social Media, Facebook, Instagram, Blogging
    • Good writing and analytical skills.
    • Excellent communication skills (including in English).
    • Competent in Office
    • Must have a valid passport

    Personal qualities

    • Proactive approach to work on tasks with minimal supervision  
    • Flexible and open to change 
    • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with people from different cultures and contexts.
    • Be able to take initiative and work independently. 
    • Ability to take on challenges and adjust to a new environment of working/living.
    • Positive, outgoing and social.

    Send application with a motivation letter of not more than two pages (typed in font 12 Times Romans) on how the placement will help the applicant’s professional advancement and contribute to Zambian youth empowerment.

    Applications must be addressed to:

    The Executive Director,

    Zambia National Education Coalition,

    Baptist Fellowship Building,

    Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi Road and Great East Road,

    P.O. Box 30774,

    Lusaka-Zambia,

    Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

    Application deadline:            Friday, 3rd April, 2020

    Only shortlisted applicants will be called for interviews

    we hope the CoronaVirus situation will have improved by August 2020, as this has a direct impact on the program according to the prevailing Corna Virus  situation in all the partner countries.

  • TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR GRANTS TO CONDUCT ACADEMIC RESEARCH ON ACADEMIC FREEDOMS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING

    TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR GRANTS TO CONDUCT ACADEMIC RESEARCH ON ACADEMIC FREEDOMS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING

    SMALL GRANTS TO STUDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING

     

    1. INTRODUCTION

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a network of Civil Society Organisations registered under the Registrar of Societies Act on 3rd July, 2002 on certificate number ORS/102/35/2581. The organisation currently has sixty-six Member Organisations comprising of Community Based Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and Teacher Trade Unions.

    The organization’s mandate is to coordinate civil society advocacy for quality, equitable and inclusive education for all Zambians. ZANEC’s focus is therefore on national plans and international frameworks that advance education in Zambia. Particularly, the Coalition takes interest in the provision of quality education services. 

    Zambia over the years has seen unprecedented growth in the number of students seeking higher education in public universities. This is evidenced from the growth in numbers of pubilc universitiies to approximately 9. Public universities are shrouded in high lecturer and  student ratios, little or more so no money for research and development let alone resources for management and administrative support. The quality of learning in private institutions also remains a concern of the coalition. As such the intervention is targeted on both private and public organisations.

    There is a huge push by government especially in public universities to ensure Institutions of Higher Learning are “conservative” and do not process any liberal views. As higlighted in the study on Academic Freedoms conducted by ZANEC in 2015, the observation is particularly unique to a country like Zambia under a multi-party dispensation, it is a common place to label a researcher, student and lecturer as ‘supporters’ of the opposition even when research evidence is reflective of the reality obtaining on the ground.

    Institutions of Higher Learning like UNZA as a case in point have seen the design and implementation of their learning process change; where tutorials which are an individualized teaching/learning process intended  to mentor, assess and broaden critical thinking outside the ordinary lecture room are phasing out due to large class sizes. The University Student Population stands at over 30, 000 as reported by the Public Relations and International Liaison Manager at University of Zambia and yet operating with the same infrastructure as when  it was established in 1966 with a student population of 312. Programmes to expand existing infrastructure is not matched with the required resources. Institutions of Higher Learning are characterized by overcrowded lecture rooms in a bid to bridge its resource gap and finance the institution. This in turn significantly compromises the quality of learning needed for students to make any meaningful contribution to society. In addition, there are no deliberate policies or initiatives to ensure inclusivity is taken into consideration, in line with the country’s Seventh National Development Plan which states that “No one should be left behind”. The foregoing is a clear indication of how the increasing student population does not match staffing levels hence directly impacting on academic freedoms and quality of education received in Institutions of Higher Learning.

    ZANEC through its advocacy work has noted with concern the continued declining teaching standards affecting Higher Institutions of Learning . The Coalition, with the funding from SAIH, envision to promote critical thinking by providing research grants to students. This call is the third round. The past two rounds have seen students research several topics such as Female Lecturers’ Participation in Higher Administrative Leadership Positions in  Universities, Possible Effects of Abolishing Students Meal Allowances on University of Zambia Students’ Academic Achievements, Determinants of Programme Choices by students in Higher Institutions of Learning.

    • PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

    To proactively influence and strengthen the competence of students in research

    • Specific objective:
    • to promote critical thinking as an exercise of academic freedoms in institutions of higher learning
    • SCOPE OF WORK

    Successful applicants will be expected to conduct academic style research on various topics relating to, but not limited to, Academic Freedoms in Zambia, gender, decolonisation of Education and Equality. Preference will be given to research topics focused on female participation and inclusive societies.

    • KEY DELIVERABLES
      • Research proposal  by students highlighting focus of research;
      • Letter of commitment to be available for the entire 3 months research process.    
    • Timely submission of approved proposal and data collection tool, first and second draft and final word and PDF version of research reports.
      • Participate in dissemination platforms of their research as agreed with ZANEC Secretariat.
      • Complete research report – submission of research work.
    • REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
    1. Must be a student at any institution of higher learning in Zambia.
      1. Must be second and third year student at the named institutions.

    Female students and students from Private Institutions are encouraged to apply.

    The Executive Director,

    Zambia National Education Coalition,

    Baptist Fellowship Building,

    Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi and Great East Road,

    P.O. Box 30774,

    Lusaka-Zambia,

    Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

    *Any application sent in without a proposal and commitment letter will not be processed.

  • TORs -TO CONDUCT A SURVEY TO ASSESS THE STUDENT LOANS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SCHEME IN ZAMBIA

    TORs -TO CONDUCT A SURVEY TO ASSESS THE STUDENT LOANS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SCHEME IN ZAMBIA

                                                                                                                                                              

    1.0 BACKGROUND

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)’s core mandate is to conduct evidence-based advocacy for quality education for all Zambians. Thus, the organization has a niche for conducting research, analysis, monitoring and influencing. In addition, ZANEC is known for mobilising Civil Society Organisations and communities through its Member Organisations located in various parts of the country, giving the Coalition its national character.

    ZANEC, with support from Norwegian Student’s and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH) is working to advocate for access and quality service delivery in Institutions of Higher Learning. ZANEC’s vision is that everyone should have access to inclusive and good education. Implementation of this vision needs different stakeholders, including governments, international agencies, non-governmental organizations; unions and students movements.

    2.0 RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

    ZANEC seeks to commission a study to review access to the Loans and Scholarship scheme in Institutions of Higher Learning. Financial   exclusion   from   education   is   an   issue   in Zambia,   with   direct   and   associated   education costs prohibiting individuals from accessing education. As such, the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Act, 2016 tries to address this challenge by  providing  the  grants, administration,  investment,  payment  and  recovery  of loans;  provide  for  the  administration  and  granting  of scholarships;  facilitate  the  mobilization  of  financial resources  for  loans  and  scholarships.  The Loans and Scholarship Scheme allows for the equitable and equal access of higher education through providing financing to qualifying Zambians.

    Currently the access to this fund has not been able to provide the envisioned levels of access in terms of financing to higher institutions of learning under the Scheme as several applicants have been left out. A case in point is the Copperbelt University where we saw students demonstrating due to their colleagues not being offered scholarships/Loans for the academic year 2019. This has been acerbated by the reduced expenditure to the Education and Skills Sector National Budget where the approved total National Budget has on average grown by 17% since 2015, the total education budget has grown by an average of 9% in nominal terms over the same period. Worse still, when expressed as a percentage of the national budget, the share of the National Education and Skills Sector Budget has experienced a steady decline from 2015 to date. Currently the Loans and Scholarship Scheme allocation under the Ministry of Higher Education budget for 2019was 1.3 % of the sector budget.

    ZANEC recognizes the pressure that such budgetary allocations have on the provision of higher education to every Zambian It is for this reason that ZANEC wished to commission an assessment of the Loans and Scholarship Scheme.  It is expected that the study will look into the financing trends, accessibility and quantify it by the number of beneficiaries by gender and academic cause since its inception.  It is envisioned that the assessment will increase the coalition body of knowledge for the purposes of continued advocacy for increased access.

    2.1Objective

    1. To generate evidence to advocate for increased financial support to Higher Education with the view to ensuring increased and equitable access to Loans and Scholarships to those who are disadvantaged, marginalized and or at risk of missing out.
    • Specific Objectives:
    1. To conduct a trend analysis of the Education and Skills Sector budgetary allocations that are meant for the purposes of financing the Loans and Scholarship Board.
    2. To conduct an analysis of the application and rewarding process.
    1. To investigate the best form of financing that will be beneficial and impactful to the provision of financing to higher education.
    2. To assess the recipients of the Loans and Scholarship Scheme to determine:
    1. Equity in allocation of recipients – gender break and career preference for scholarships.
    2. Adequacy versus number of applicants.
    3. c) Prudence in the management of the Loans and Scholarship fund.
    4. d) Analysis of the Skills fund and how it contributes to the provision of Loans

    and Scholarship Scheme.

    1. e) Analysis of academic pathways financed through the scheme.

    3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

    The consultant is expected to gather information to provide the following:

    1. Conduct an assessment of allocations and releases to the Loans and Scholarship Board from 2010 – 2018.
    2. The scope of work should follow a transparent and inclusive process of consultation of the diverse groups that make up the Education and Skills Sector.
    • Present a complete accepted report and power point summary of the findings for presentation at a stakeholders’ meeting convened specifically for this purpose by the ZANEC Secretariat.

    4.0 DELIVERABLES AND DURATION OF CONSULTANCY

    The assignment is expected to be completed within 8 working days and timeframes are to be jointly agreed between ZANEC Secretariat and the consultant, with the following deliverables.

    1. Inception report with proposed data collection methodologies and proposed time frames for deliverables.
    2. First and second draft of the research report for review.
    3. Present the second draft assessment report at a stakeholders’ meeting.

    5.0 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

    • Must have at least a Master’s Degree in Education or related field.
    • Proven experience and track record in policy analysis.
    • Strong communication skills both oral and written English.
    • Ability to devote full time to the assignment and meet deadlines.

    PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATIONS BY THE 30TH OF AUGUST 2019 TO:

    The Executive Director

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)

    Baptist Fellowship Building

    Conner of Makishi and Great East Road,

    Plot 3061/2

    Lusaka, Zambia

    Telephone number +26011226422

    Or e-mail: admin@zanec.org.zm

     

     

  • ZANEC VIDEO DOCUMENTARY ON THE STATUS OF EDUCATION IN HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS

    ZANEC VIDEO DOCUMENTARY ON THE STATUS OF EDUCATION IN HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS

    ZANEC will be airing today Tuesday 30th July 2019 at 21 hours or 21pm a Documentary on Status of Education in Higher Learning Institutions on Prime TV which is on Channels 273 on DSTV, 94 on GoTV and 103 Topstar. The documentary will be aired with support from Norwegian Students and Academic Fund (SAIH)

  • WELCOME REMARKS SPEECH READ BY ZANEC BOARD SECRETARY MR. HAMILTON MAMBO DURING THE MEDIA SENSITISATION ENGAGEMENT MEETING ON OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN HELD AT GOLDEN ZAMBEZI LODGE IN LUSAKA, ON 18TH JULY 2019

    WELCOME REMARKS SPEECH READ BY ZANEC BOARD SECRETARY MR. HAMILTON MAMBO DURING THE MEDIA SENSITISATION ENGAGEMENT MEETING ON OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN HELD AT GOLDEN ZAMBEZI LODGE IN LUSAKA, ON 18TH JULY 2019

    Members of the Press

    Members of ZANEC Board of Governors

    ZANEC Member Organisations

    Civil Society Organisations

    All Protocols observed

     

    It is my singular honour and privilege to present this speech to you our distinguished guests.  I welcome you all to this meeting. For those of you who may not be aware Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a Coalition of non-state actors working in the Education and Skills Sector. It is a recognized institution advocating for improved access to quality education by all citizens. The organisation is involved in research, advocacy and member capacity enhancement on different aspects of Education and Skills System in Zambia.  The organisation works in the five Education and Skills Subsectors namely Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Basic Education (Primary and Secondary School), Skills and Tertiary Education, Youth, Adult Literacy and Education (YALE) and Gender Equality.

    It is important to recognize the financial support from the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) which has made it possible to have this meeting. As an organisation we are grateful to OSISA for the continued support of activities and initiatives related to reducing the number of Out of School Children among others.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    ZANEC values the role the media plays in our society and thus our convening this meeting. The meeting seeks to stimulate debate and dialogue around policy and public on key issues affecting Out of School Children and access to quality education services.

    The number of Out of School Children is alarming and worrying.  According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund 504,000 (UNICEF, 2014) while 800,000 was recorded in the Educational Statistical Bulletin of 2016 children of school going age are out of school in Zambia.  Out of School Children include:

    • Children who do not have access to a school – Children of school going age who are not enrolled in school due to various barriers.
    • Children who have dropped out of the education system – These are children who were enrolled in school but have left school due various reasons.
    • Children who have access to school but are not enrolled for various reasons.

    There are various sited reasons for children being out of school. Some of these are: early marriages, teenage pregnancies, unsupportive learning environment, cost of education provision, lack of appreciation for the value of education, negative cultural practices, being over age, health conditions, lack of assistive devices for learners with Special Education Needs. As you can all see these are complex issues that need every body’s intervention is we are to uproot this vice. As ZANEC, we believe that the crusade to reduce high numbers of OOSC in Zambia cannot and should not be left to Government alone.  We need to work together to eliminate the barriers to education and ensure all children have access ti quality education, in line with our 7NDP theme of leaving no one behind.

    Key to this is our continued call to financing a fee-free basic and secondary education as well as vocational skills development for all school-age children  from early age (4 –18 years) and thereby positioning the country towards attaining Vision 2030.

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    As ZANEC we are of the firm belief that the media is a key partner in development as they disseminate information to the public and decision makers. Therefore, media can play an important role in contributing to reduce the number of out of school children by being proactive in creating awareness on the importance of education to the public. Additionally, the media is a key advocate in ensuring that the government and decision makers make favorable policies as well as increasing financing to the Education and Skills Sector.

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    ZANEC conducted a Comparative Study on the Operations and Governance of Parents and Teachers Associations (PTAs) in Zambia: A case study of selected schools in Southern, Lusaka and Central Provinces of Zambia. This was also in the bid to provide evidence to lobby for the reduction of the number of out of school children. The study shows that because of the inadequate funding to the Education and Skills Sector coupled with the late disbursement of funds to most schools, the country lacks essential teaching and learning materials.  As a result of this, some PTAs and Parents Community Schools Committees (PCSCs) have resorted to resource mobilisation mechanisms that end up charging uneconomical levies in order to meet school operational costs. The consequences of  this increased resource burden on parents  and  guardians is that in  most times it increases the number of Out of School Children (OOSC) consequently leading to high illiteracy levels in the country.

    Therefore, the overall purpose of this study was to show that PTAs and PCSCs have a broader role to play than being mere fundraising committees for the schools but must also be able to provide checks and balances for quality provision of education services. The study has provided information on the operations and governance of PTAs in practice in comparison to their mandate stipulated in various policies and legislation. As a Coalition we will therefore take this opportunity to share with you the key findings of the study in this engagement meeting. As we are hopeful that it will reach a lot of people in the country through you the media.

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    I urge you all to participate fully in the deliberations of this meeting and share and disseminate widely the information and knowledge you will get from this workshop.

    I thank you all and God bless

     

     

  • CALL FOR ZANEC 2019 EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR MEDIA AWARDS

    CALL FOR ZANEC 2019 EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR MEDIA AWARDS

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is calling for entries for the 2019 ZANEC Education Media Awards. The award-giving ceremony is conducted every year to recognize and reward journalists who have contributed towards the need for quality education in our country.

    BACKGROUND TO THE AWARDS

    The objective of the awards is to promote reporting on the Education and Skills Sector hence raising public awareness, understanding, participation and the need for the provision of quality education in the country. The entries must be based on one of the five (5) Education Sub Sectors namely:

    1. Early Childhood, Care and Development Education (ECCDE)
    2. Youth and Adult Literacy Education (YALE)
    3. Skills and Tertiary Education – with a bias to Academic Freedoms and quality of education in Higher Institutions of Learning
    4. Basic Education (Primary and Secondary)
    5. Gender and Equity

    The article; program; documentary or video must demonstrate the author or producer’s understanding of the Education and Skills Sector at the barest minimum.

    Eligibility

    The awards are open for published and broadcasted works in print, radio, television or online media. Only journalists who are Zambian nationals are eligible for the competition. The competition is only open to individual journalists and not media institutions or organizations;

    The entries shall be works published/broadcast between 1st October 2018 and 31st July 2019

    Languages
    All works entered for the competition shall be in English Language.

    Categories
    Entries shall consist of the following:

    • Print Journalism: Features, articles or stories published in mainstream newspapers, magazines, journals or newsletters.
    • Radio Journalism: Documentary or discussion programmes.
    • Television Journalism: Documentary or discussion programme.
    • Online/news media: Feature articles or stories published on online media.

    Adjudication and Awards

    The selection of winners will be done by an adjudication panel identified by ZANEC Secretariat with expertise in media and media development. The winners will get a monetary award, a trophy and a certificate.

    Respects for copy rights

    All entries submitted must be original and in conformity with copyright requirements and must have been published or broadcasted between 1st October 2018 and 30th June 2019.

    Deadlines

    • All submissions should be made to ZANEC by Friday, 30th August, 2019.
    • Further information on ZANEC can be obtained from:
    • Website: www.zanec.org.zm
    • Facebook: facebook.com/Zambia – National- Education -Coalition
    • Twitter: ZANEC Official

     

    All submission are to be made to:

    The Executive Director,

    Zambia National Education Coalition,

    Baptist Fellowship Building,

    Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi Road and Great East Road,

    P.O. Box 30774,

    Lusaka-Zambia,

    Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

  • TORS -CONDUCT A REVIEW OF EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR 2017 – 2019 NATIONAL BUDGET ALLOCATIONS AND ALIGNMENT TO ESSP TARGETS AND IMPACT OF LOW FUNDING ON SERVICE DELIVERY

    TORS -CONDUCT A REVIEW OF EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR 2017 – 2019 NATIONAL BUDGET ALLOCATIONS AND ALIGNMENT TO ESSP TARGETS AND IMPACT OF LOW FUNDING ON SERVICE DELIVERY

     

    1.0 BACKGROUND

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)’s core mandate is to conduct evidence-based advocacy for quality education for all Zambians. The organization is specifically involve in conducting research as well as in policy analysis, monitoring and influencing. ZANEC is also known for mobilising education Civil Society Organisations and communities to promote access to quality education for all through its Member Organisations located in various parts of the country.

     

    ZANEC, with support from Counter Part International (CPI), is implementing a project entitled “Effecting and Influencing Governance of Education and Skills Sector processes in Eastern and Lusaka Provinces of Zambia”. The project aims at mobilizing the civil society voice to hold government accountable to the efficient implementation of the Education and Skills Sector Plan (ESSP) which is the main guiding document for service delivery in the Education and Skills Sector. Although this document is important in defining the Country’s short and medium term education priorities, the process of developing this document took close to three years. The government only finalized this document at the end of December, 2018 despite the timeline for the plan being 2017 to 2021, meaning that technically the implementation of the plan started in 2017. Given that the ESSP in now place, ZANEC would like to focus on influencing the successful financing and implementation of the Plan. This is because ZANEC believes that the effectiveness of the ESSP in delivering access to quality education to every Zambian is dependent on the availability of adequate finances.

     

    2.0 RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

    The education sector is key in achieving national and international strategic goals such as the Seventh National Development Plan (SNDP), Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals respectively. For Zambia to achieve the aspirations contained in the above national and international policies, there is need to have adequate financing of the sector Plans. Currently, Zambia is at risk of not being able to achieve the projected education targets mainly due to the declining resource envelope allocated to Education and Skills Sector over the last 5 years. Despite the national budgetary allocations having been on increase in nominal terms from about ZMW47 Billion in 2015 to ZMW87 billion by 2019 (almost doubling in this period) this has not resulted in the corresponding increase in the share of the Education Sector Budget. To the contrary, the share of the education budget has reduced from 20.2% to 15.3% over the same period.

    It is against this background that ZANEC seeks to commission a study to review national budget allocations to the Education and Skills Sector for the period 2017 – 2019 and how education financing has been aligning to the achievement of ESSP targets and outcomes. ZANEC intends to identify a Consultant who will conduct a time bound research and provide a report that shows the gap between the financing and implementation of the Education and Skills Sector Plan.

    The process will focus on reviewing government’s financial investment and commitment actualized through sector budgets for the implementation period of the ESSP so far. The research will respond to some provocative questions, which, when answered through the research, will solidify civil society positions, such as: What impact does the sector budgets have on the sector performance? What has been the progress achieved towards service delivery in the Education and Skills Sector so far amidst the prevailing low and erratic funding?

    2.1 Objective

    1. To assess the financial investment and impact of the national budget allocations to the Education and Skills Sector on the realization of the ESSP targets during the period 2017 – 2019.

     2.2 Specific Objectives:

    1. To assess the trends and perform a gap analysis in allocations and releases of the Education and Skills Sector Budgets.
    2. To assess the impact of education financing on service delivery in the Education and Skills Sector
    3. To distill some key recommendations for advocacy on the need for the adequate financing in the Education and Skills Sector.

     

    3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

    The consultant is expected to gather information to provide the following:

    1. Conduct an assessment of the allocations and releases to the Education and Skills Sector between 2017 – 2019 and review the corresponding impact on service delivery
    2. Perform a gap analysis by comparing the 2017 – 2019 period with the recommended 20 per cent budget target set by the Dakar framework for Education for All allocated to the education sector.
    • Conduct field visits to selected areas to generate official and public opinion on the impact of  the ESSP on education service delivery;
    1. Consult diverse groups that make up the Education and Skills Sector on the impact of the ESSP in the delivery of education services.
    2. Produce and present the final report to education stakeholders at a meeting to be organised by the ZANEC Secretariat.

    4.0 DELIVERABLES AND DURATION OF CONSULTANCY

    The assignment is expected to be completed within 9 working days to be jointly agreed between the ZANEC Secretariat and the Consultant, with the following deliverables.

    1. Inception report with proposed data collection methodologies and proposed time frames for deliverables.
    2. First and second draft of the research report for review.
    3. Present the second draft report to a stakeholders’ meeting.

    5.0 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

    • Must have at least a Master’s Degree in Education or related field.
    • Proven experience and track record in policy analysis and research.
    • Strong communication skills in both oral and written English.
    • Ability to devote full time to the assignment and meet deadlines.

    PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATIONS TO:

    The Executive Director

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)

    Baptist Fellowship Building

    Conner of Makishi and Great East Road

    Plot 3061/2

    Lusaka, Zambia

    Telephone number +26011226422

    Or E-mail: admin@zanec.org.zm

     

    Deadline for submission: 11th July, 2019

     

     

  • TORs – SMALL GRANTS TO STUDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING

    TORs – SMALL GRANTS TO STUDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING

    • INTRODUCTION

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a network of Civil Society Organizations registered under the Registrar of Societies Act on 3rd July, 2002 on certificate number ORS/102/35/2581. The organization currently has seventy (70) Member Organizations comprising of Community Based Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and Teacher Trade Unions.

    The organization’s mandate is to coordinate civil society advocacy for quality, equitable and inclusive education for all Zambians. ZANEC’s focus is therefore on national plans and international frameworks that advance education in Zambia. Particularly, the Coalition takes interest in the provision of quality education services.

    Zambia over the years has seen unprecedented growth in the number of students seeking higher education in public universities. Public universities are shrouded in high lecture, student ratios, little or more so no money for research and development let alone resources for management and administrative support.

     

    Institutions of Higher Learning like UNZA as a case in point have seen the design and implementation of their learning process change; where tutorials which are an individualized teaching/learning process intended to mentor, assess and broaden critical thinking outside the ordinary lecture room are phasing out due to large class sizes. According to the Public Relations and International Liaison Manager at University of Zambia, the University Student Population stands at over 30, 000 and yet operating with the same infrastructure as when  it was established in 1966 with a student population of 312. Extension programmes to expand existing infrastructure is not matched with the required resources. Higher Institution of Learning like UNZA are characterized by overcrowded lecture rooms in a bid to bridge its resource gap and finance the institution. This in turn significantly compromises the quality of learning needed for students to make any meaningful contribution to society. In addition, there are no deliberate policies or initiatives to ensure inclusivity is taken into consideration, in line with the country’s Seventh National Development Plan which states that “No one should be left behind”. The foregoing is a clear indication of how the increasing student population does not match staffing levels hence directly impacting on academic freedoms and quality of education received in Institutions of Higher Learning.

     

    1. RESEARCH PURPOSE

    To provide ten (10) students with an opportunity to enhance the level of research skills.

    RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

    • Support identified students to conduct research on topical issues for the academic year 2019 so as to promote critical thinking.
    • Utilize the research findings to enrich ZANEC’s advocacy on the promotion and upholding of inclusive societies and support Academic Freedoms in Institutions of Higher Learning.

     

    1. SCOPE OF WORK

    Successful applicants will conduct academic style research on Academic Freedoms in Zambia. Preference will be given to research topics focused on female participation, Academic Freedom and inclusive societies.

    1. KEY DELIVERABLES

     

    1. Submit research proposal expressing interest in conducting the research( as per provided guiding notes);
    2. Carry out Academic research in a period of not more than two months (strictly).
    • Work with identified consultant to enrich research and facilitate for capacity enhancement.
    1. Timely submission of complete research document after two months research work.
    2. Submit to ZANEC a soft copy of final research report and submit 2 copies of well bound documents.

     

    1. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

     

    • Must be a second or third year student at an institution of Higher Learning (University or College).

     

    NB: All expressions of interest must be submitted through post, email or hand delivery to the address below by Wednesday, 17th May, 2019.

     

    The Executive Director,

    Zambia National Education Coalition,

    Baptist Fellowship Building,

    Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi Road and Great East Road,

    P.O. Box 30774,

    Lusaka-Zambia,

    Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

    Guiding Notes for Student Research Papers

    Academic research requires a thorough investigation into the body of literature that has been published – and sometimes even unpublished – about a given topic. You must examine and refer to scholarly sources when completing academic assignments (unless otherwise indicated by your instructor to be identified by ZANEC).

    Your submitted research proposals should include but not limited to:

    1. Research Topic
    2. Statement of the problem
    3. Purpose (objectives of the study)
    4. Specific objective/s
    5. Methodology
    6. Literature Review
    7. Hypothesis
    8. Definition of terms
    9. Assumptions

    Kindly note the above is a guide to ensure that your proposal follows structure.

    Topics to be considered for ZANEC supported research:

    1. Female Participation and inclusion in leadership roles in Institutions of Higher Learning.
    2. Academic Freedoms

     

  • THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL EDUCATION COALITION (ZANEC) FOURTH (4TH) MEDIA AWARDS

    THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL EDUCATION COALITION (ZANEC) FOURTH (4TH) MEDIA AWARDS

    CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR THE 2018 MEDIA AWARDS

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a Coalition of non-state actors working in the Education and Skills Sector. It is a recognized institution advocating for improved quality and access to education by all citizens. The organisation is involved in research and capacity enhancement on different aspects of the education system in Zambia.

    ZANEC invites journalists to submit articles or recordings for  Media Awards consideration from those that have demonstrated interest to report on education issues in Higher Learning Institutions, out of school children and Early Childhood Care and Development Eduaction (ECCDE). Entries are invited from electronic (Radio and / or Television), social,  print and online media.

    ZANEC believes that the media is a sustainable tool for advocating for the Coalition’s renewed mandate to promote and advocate for national and global education goals to address critical challenges affecting the education sector in Zambia. Thus, ZANEC is calling for individual journalists to submit entries for the the 2018 Media Awards to be held at the end of the year.

    The 2018 media awards will focus on:

    • Academic Freedoms in Institutions of Higher  Learning
    • Out of School Children
    • Early Childhood Care and Development Eduaction (ECCDE)

    All entries must indicate the name and conatct details of the writer, copy of the produced or published works, the media in which it was published and the date. The closing date for receiving entries is Wednesday,  28th  November 2018.

     

     

    Interested applicants should send their entries (electronic and hard copies) to.
    The Executive Director
    ZAMBIA NATIONAL EDUCATION COALITION
    Baptist Fellowship

    Cnr of Makishi and Great East Road
    P.O.BOX 30774
    LUSAKA
    Email: director@zanec.org.zm